automatic to manual transmission swap

[Lockboy1691]

has it been done or atleast heard of doing an automatic to manual transmission swap if yes where would i find a transmission compatible to do it what kind of work is involved?

[ihatemybike]

I seem to recall a couple people starting conversions using JY Borg T-5s from early Astros, but completed projects don't come to mind.

What's the reason you are looking to go manual? Would a built up 700R4/4L60E work? The one in Green hits hard, 1-2 and 2-3 shifts can break tires loose when I get on it.

[6spd_monte]

Some people want a manual because they just like shifting. Or perhaps want something a little different. I swapped the auto in my Monte Carlo for a manual for those two reasons.
A built automatic may be faster, and will almost definitely handle more power than a T5 but there's something about driving a manual that's just fun!

As for a manual in an Astro, I don't know exactly what trans is compatible. I understand manual M vans used the T5 but I think the bellhousing and shifter were specific to the Astro/Safari. This might make it hard to find. An alternative would be installing whatever transmission you want and adjusting or fabricating what you need to make it work.

First you'll need a set of manual pedals for your van. You can look for a set from an Astro/Safari, that'll be the easiest fit but again probably tough to find. The driveshaft length will probably need to be adjusted. You may need to change the gears in the rear axle. The transmission crossmember might need to be modified.

That's all I can think of right now but there's probably more.

Good luck with your project!

[Lockboy1691]

Thanks i was looking into it because i feel it gets boring just driving i think it would be fun to have a van thats stick and like you said it will probably be difficult to track one down and the mods will probably run me alot its probably a project more for the future right now i just want to get my new van lookin sexy which if it is the way i want i will run me around $800 tail light phantom grille head unit soundsystem seat covers maybe rims and hopefully if i get the time and the cash saved up i will be making a center console that slope from the dash to the end of the captains chairs in the front mainly cause i want to fit large drinks in my cup holders.

[ihatemybike]

What about making the trans a manumatic and switching to a floor or paddle shifter?

http://www.twistmachine.com/Paddle_Shifters.html

[markmitchinnh]

I have to say that shifter is very very cool, I may have to get one.

[Lockboy1691]

THAT IS PRETTY COOL I DINT SEE ANYTHING FOR THE FLOOR THO IF IT DID I MIGHT LOOK INTO IT THANKS.

[ihatemybike]

There are other manumatic conversions. I like this one cause it shifts like a rally car.